WS Chronicle

Mark S. Tillman was sworn in as the general president of Alpha Phi Alpha,the world’s oldest intercollegiate fraternity founded by African-American men, earlier this month near his adopted hometown of Detroit, Mich.

Tillman, who became an Alpha through the Beta Phi Chapter at Dillard University in the fall of 1985, served two terms as midwestern regional vice president prior to being elected the fraternity’s 34th general president-elect. He assumed the presidency on Jan. 1, 2013. The Hewlett-Packard engineer has earned many honors for community service, including the “Person of the Year” award from Detroit 2020.comfor his dedication to mentoring young men through Big Brother Big Sisters.

The weeklong installation celebration for Tillman drew notables like U.S. Reps. Bobby Scott and John Conyers and U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Damon Keith, who helped to swear Tillman in. Southfield, Mich. Mayor Brenda Lawrence declared Jan. 6 Mark S. Tillman Day in the city to mark his past accomplishments and elevation to the fraternity’s highest leadership position.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s mission is to “develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence while providing service and advocacy to the community.” Tillman, who has been married to Velicia Tillman for more than 15 years, is vowing to help maintain that fraternity’s vision.

“I honor the legacy and assume a post to lead every Alpha Man to remain connected to providing service to the communities we serve,” Tillman said.